A Type Of Turkish Pizza

Pide: A Delicious and Versatile Turkish Pizza

If you are looking for a satisfying and flavorful snack, you might want to try pide, a type of Turkish pizza that is popular in many parts of the country. Pide is a thin, oval-shaped dough that is topped with various ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven until crispy and golden. Pide can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish, and it can be customized according to your preferences and tastes.

The Origins of Pide

Pide is believed to have originated in the Black Sea region of Turkey, where it is still a traditional specialty. This simple dish soon became popular among the locals and spread to other parts of the country.

Pide is also related to the culture of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. During Ramadan, pide bread is baked and served as a special treat to break the fast. Pide bread is sweet and doughy, and it is often sprinkled with sesame seeds or nigella seeds. 

The Varieties of Pide:

Pide is a versatile dish that can be made with different toppings and fillings. 

Cheese pide: This is one of the simplest and most popular types of pide. It is made with white cheese (such as feta or beyaz peynir), mozzarella cheese, or a mixture of both. Cheese pide can also be enriched with eggs, butter, parsley, or spinach.

Meat pide: This is another classic type of pide that is made with minced lamb or beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Meat pide can also be mixed with cheese or eggs for extra flavor and texture.

Vegetable pide: This is a vegetarian option that is made with various vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, potatoes, or spinach. Vegetable pide can also be combined with cheese or eggs for more protein and creaminess.

Sujuk pide: This is a spicy type of pide that is made with sujuk, a cured beef sausage that has a distinctive red color and a smoky flavor. Sujuk pide can also be topped with cheese or eggs for more richness.

Pastrami pide: This is a savory type of pide that is made with pastrami, a thinly sliced cured meat that has a peppery taste and a dark color. Pastrami pide can also be garnished with cheese or eggs for more indulgence.

How to Enjoy Pide

Pide can be eaten hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can cut it into slices and dip it into sauces, such as yogurt, tomato sauce, or garlic sauce. You can also wrap it in lettuce leaves or bread and eat it as a sandwich. Pide can be accompanied by salads, soups, pickles, or drinks, such as ayran (a yogurt drink) or tea.

Pide is a delicious and versatile Turkish pizza that can satisfy your appetite and your taste buds. It is easy to make at home or to find in many Turkish restaurants and bakeries. Pide is a great way to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine.